Students, district, community benefit from The School Foundation

The School Foundation was created in 2000 with the idea of improving the quality of education in Florence School District 1.
Local business leaders raised $1 million in seed to fund and support innovative ideas from school district employees.
Through the generosity of its benefactors, students in the school district have benefitted from more than $420,000 in funding for innovative ideas with a clear mission: Promote excellence in the district through grants for innovative and broad-ranging programs.
The School Foundation has been such a success, it has grown into the largest K-12 public education endowment in the state.
By creating extraordinary experiences for students, it has made a difference in handing out major and mini grants to teachers for everything from state-of-the-art SMART Response wireless remotes that help children with math to puppets for a creative Lester Elementary teacher to teach children theatrically about germs.
As groundbreaking and exciting as the work at The School Foundation might be, it must raise money beyond its $1 million perpetual fund to keep the momentum and inspiration going.
On Sept, 24, former Chief of Staff Richard B. Myers will be the keynote speaker and Lt. Gen. Charles W. Bagnal, a Florence School District 1 graduate, will be the guest of honor at The School Foundation’s eighth annual gala at the Florence Civic Center.
We encourage you to buy tickets by calling (843) 662-9996 because the energy behind The School Foundation represents the kind of energy and ingenuity we need in Florence. Economic development pros see The School Foundation as a positive resource when they talk about relocation possibilities with companies big and small.
The School Foundation’s executive director, Debbie Hyler, is a tireless advocate for better schools who helped create “Graduate Florence” in collaborating with school district personnel. “Graduate Florence” encourages students to stay in school and earn their high school diploma.
The gala provides more than half of The School Foundation’s $200,000 yearly budget. More than $100,000 will be generated from ticket sales. Tickets range in price from $75 (for District 1 employees) and $100 for individuals to $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000 for corporate sponsorships.
We think Bagnal and Myers were good choices for special guests and know it will be a special treat for guests to meet them.
Bagnal, a 1952 graduate of McClenaghan High School, is the highest-ranking military leader to come from Florence School District 1. He will be honored as the Distinguished Graduate in a program focused on a military theme.
Myers was the military’s highest-ranking military officer when he served in President George W. Bush’s administration. He took over shortly after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on America. He helped plan and execute the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Both are uniquely qualified to talk about achieving results and inspiring people with their stories of hard work and teamwork.
The foundation has been an effective partner with the school district, while maintaining its independence. Since it uses its money wisely in finding opportunities to reward good ideas, the gala deserves your support.

— Unsigned editorials represent the views of this newspaper. Editorial Board members are Mark Laskowski (regional publisher), James Bennett (regional editor), Sam Bundy (sports editor), Kimberly Ginfrida (news editor), David Johnson (regional circulation director), Charles Tomlinson (Lake City News & Post editor) and Jackie Torok (metro editor).